Chapter 39
“Seriously, the chamber reeks!” Melva complained the moment she stepped into Althea’s bedchamber.
Althea quickly pulled the quilt over her face in embarrassment and didn’t bother responding. She simply lay still, waiting for Melva to prepare her bath. Her body still felt sticky—Gavriel had kissed and licked her all over, and just the memory made her face flush hot.
Her whole body was sore, her limbs heavy with exhaustion, and yet she had barely moved from her bedchamber all day.
“Come now, let’s get you washed up,” Melva urged, bustling around. “The Alpha King is unstoppable! It’s still afternoon p>
Without warning, Melva yanked the quilt away and gasped dramatically with wide eyes, staring at her naked body. “Did he think your body was some kind of candy he could lick and devour?” she exclaimed.
Althea’s cheeks burned hotter. “That’s enough,” she mumbled with a pout. She would die of embarrassment if Melva kept going. Slipping out of bed, she dipped into the bathtub her friend had prepared.
Melva, still grumbling, crossed her arms. “Well, I suppose it’s not entirely bad. The Alpha King being so into you… It works to your advantage.” She sighed heavily, as though bearing the weight of it herself.
Althea sighed too, about to reply, when a knock came, and before either could answer, the door opened.
“We’re bringing the Lady’s lunch,” Mila announced.
Althea and Melva exchanged a look. They had nearly forgotten about the two attendants Queen Mother had forced on her.
“Eat with me later,” Althea whispered. “I’ll handle the poison. I’m sure they won’t leave until I’ve finished the meal p>
Melva blinked. “Huh p>
Althea smiled faintly. “If I cough, that means something’s poisoned. Don’t eat it. They won’t poison every dish, so take the chance to eat the safe ones.” She even winked.
Melva let out another sigh but nodded. “The Alpha King already approved us cooking our own food. This p>
“Let it be for now,” Althea said firmly. “If we play along, Queen Mother won’t have reason to retaliate. I’ll find a way to deal with them later. For now, be friendly p>
Resigned, Melva nodded again.
Althea washed up quickly and dressed. As expected, Mila and Amy were still standing stiffly by the table, their expressions unreadable.
Althea gave them a pleasant smile. “Lunch looks wonderful.” She turned to Melva. “It’s too much for me alone. Come, let’s eat together p>
Melva brightened immediately. “Indeed, My Lady! Just like old times p>
Althea nearly laughed at the flicker of irritation on the maids’ faces. She took a bite and asked casually, “Who cooked? It’s very good p>
“I did,” Mila answered quietly.
“Thank you, Mila,” Althea said warmly, taking another spoonful. The rice and meat were delicious, but she knew well, the chicken soup was poisoned. Since the two couldn’t wait for her to eat that specific dish when she read their thoughts.
“Queen Mother asked us to remain until you finish every meal,” Amy interjected.
“Of course,” Althea replied sweetly. She lifted the cup of soup and drank, then let out a small cough.
“My Lady, are you alright?” Melva fussed, rubbing her back.
“I’m fine. Keep eating, Melva, help me finish the rest p>
[That’s right. Take the poison.] Amy thought smugly, unaware Althea had already read her.
Althea smiled and took another sip. “The chicken soup is good, though there’s too much. Even with Melva’s help, I doubt we can finish everything.” She glanced at the two servants. “Why don’t you both join us p>
Melva’s eyes gleamed. She quickly poured some soup into a bowl and thrust it toward Amy. “Here—try this! My Lady likes it p>
Amy’s eyes widened in horror.
“What? Are you refusing her kindness?” Melva pressed, brows furrowed, then immediately turned to Mila, who had gone pale. “Then you. Try it p>
“N-no, we… we’re already full from preparing the dishes,” Mila stammered.
“That’s enough, Melva. Don’t force them,” Althea said calmly, so Melva sat back down. But her friend wasn’t done.
With a mischievous grin, she suddenly said, “Actually, next time the Alpha King should eat with you instead. After making love, wouldn’t it be nice to share a meal together, My Lady? He can taste how good the food they’ve prepared for you p>
Althea nearly choked on her rice. Her entire face burned red. But as she composed herself, she caught the worried flicker in Mila and Amy’s thoughts—they would report this to Queen Mother at once.
“I’ll think about it,” Althea said smoothly. “If the Alpha King isn’t too busy, perhaps I’ll ask him to join me.” She tried her best to hold back her laughter at Melva’s antics.
They didn’t even need words sometimes, just one glance was enough for them to understand each other.
When the meal ended, the two maidservants swiftly cleared the table, leaving no trace of the poisoned food behind. Thıs content belongs to
As soon as the door closed, Melva rushed to Althea’s side, worry etched across her face.
“My Lady, hurry! Take the poison out. Tell me—what herbs do you need? Or will meditation be enough?” Her voice shook with panic.
Althea let out a long sigh. “Melva, perhaps you should know this by now.” Her gaze softened as she continued, “The memories I lost from the day my mother died—I’ve regained them all p>
She had already confided everything to Gavriel, and she knew Melva deserved the truth too.
Her loyal friend shouldn’t have to carry needless worry any longer. Besides, Althea had no intention of hiding her healing powers anymore… not when she would need them to earn the Queen Mother’s trust.
“Now, you’ll witness how I can expel the poison from my body. Just make sure to keep your voice low in your exaggerated reaction,” Althea said with a small grin. It felt strangely good to share this side of herself with someone she trusted.
Melva gulped and nodded quickly, her wide eyes betraying both awe and fear. She clasped her hands tightly together, as if bracing herself for what she was about to see.
Althea closed her eyes, her breathing steady as a soft glow began to spread from her palm. She pressed her hand lightly against her stomach, focusing on the lingering traces of poison in her veins.
A faint hum filled the air, like a whisper only the two of them could hear. Then, with a sudden jolt, Althea’s body shuddered and she coughed. Strange, greenish bubbles floated up from her lips before dissolving into nothingness, leaving behind a faint herbal fragrance.
Melva gasped but immediately slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. Her eyes watered as she whispered hoarsely, “My Lady, you really—” She broke off, trembling, unable to finish her sentence.
Althea opened her eyes, their glow fading back to their normal hue. She smiled faintly, though she looked a little drained. “See? Nothing to worry about. I am not as fragile as everyone thinks p>
Melva finally let out the breath she had been holding and hurried to steady Althea by the arm. “Not fragile, no… but powerful. If the Queen Mother were to see this with her own eyes She trailed off, her voice a mixture of pride and anxiety.